How can I keep my Tiki Lamps burning?
by
Ree Tredo
+1
I have added 5 Tiki Lamps to our backyard. We filled the canisters with Citronella Oil and allowed the wicks to soak up the oil before lighting. However, the wicks burn down and the fire self-extinguishes within less than 10 minutes. Do I need a different wick?
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Perhaps you need to have the wicks a little more out of the lamp. I have three in my front yard and have had they burning for two or three hours with out going out. I think I have adjusted the length once in two filling of the lamps.
From what I've read, the wick should be between 1/4 to 1/2 inch exposed for best performance. The less exposed, the better. If you're still having problems, make sure the wick inside the lamp is not frayed or flattened out. If it is, ball it up. This should help keep the wick from sucking the oil too quickly.
Is this pure citronella oil, or lamp oil that contains citronella oil? Pure citronella oil is an essential oil, and is not made for burning. You are burning the wicks and not the oil. Check the can to make sure you are using a product that is lamp oil, or an oil made to burn.
Thanks for the replies thus far. We are "attempting" to burn Citronella Lamp Fuel. The wicks seems to be the problem...they "look like" clothes-line and burn down within about 3 minutes. I've tried having a longer (3/4 inch) wick; I've tried crimping the top where the wick comes out. The wick burns and then burns out. It's not burning the oil. I'm thinking we need a different wick, something coated perhaps like a candle? Or, something from a Camping and Outdoor store? I'm still searching.......